AMPHETAMINES

Brand & Generic Names

Amfetamine	Dexedrine
AMPHETAMINE	Dexedrine Spansule
AMPHETAMINE SULFATE	DEXTRO-AMPHETAMINE
Biphetamine 12-1/2	METHAMPHETAMINE
Biphetamine 20	Oxydess
Desoxyn	Spancap
Desoxyn Gradumet

Basic Information

• Habit forming? Yes
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Central nervous system stimulant

Uses

• Prevents narcolepsy (attacks of uncontrollable sleepiness).
• Controls hyperactivity in children.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.
Extended-release capsules and tablets--Swallow each dose whole with liquid; do not crush.
Elixir--Swallow with liquid.

When to take:
At the same times each day.
Short-acting form--Don't take later than 6 hours before bedtime.
Long-acting form--Take on awakening.

If you forget a dose:
Short-acting form--Take up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next dose (don't double this dose).
Long-acting form--Take as soon as you remember. Wait 20 hours for next dose.

What drug does:
Narcolepsy--Apparently affects brain centers to decrease fatigue or sleepiness and increase alertness and motor activity.
Hyperactive children--Calms children, opposite to effect on narcoleptic adults.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 30 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, high fever, hallucinations, suicidal or homicidal feelings, convulsions, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

• Irritability, nervousness, insomnia, euphoria.
• Dry mouth.
• Fast, pounding heartbeat.

Infrequent:

• Dizziness; reduced alertness; blurred vision; unusual sweating.
• Headache.
• Diarrhea or constipation, appetite loss, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diminished sex drive, impotence.

Rare:

• Rash, hives; chest pain or irregular heartbeat; uncontrollable movements of head, neck, arms, legs.
• Mood changes, swollen breasts.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any amphetamine.
• You will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
• If you have glaucoma.
• If you have heart or blood-vessel disease, or high blood pressure.
• If you have overactive thyroid, anxiety or tension.
• If you have a severe mental illness (especially children).

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs benefits of drug. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing.

Infants & children:
Not recommended for children under 12.

Prolonged use:

• Habit forming.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check blood pressure, growth charts in children, reassessment of need for continued treatment.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:

• This is a dangerous drug and must be closely supervised. Don't use for appetite control or depression. Potential for damage and abuse.
• During withdrawal phase, may cause prolonged sleep of several days.
• Don't use for fatigue or to replace rest.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anesthesias,	Irregular heartbeat.
Antidepressants,	Decreased
tricyclic (TCA)*	amphetamine effect.
Antihypertensives*	Decreased antihypertensive effect.
Beta-blockers*	High blood pressure, slow
	heartbeat.
Carbonic anhydrase	Increased
inhibitors*	amphetamine effect.
Central nervous	Excessive CNS stimulation.
Doxazosin	Decreased doxazosin effect.
Furalozidine	Sudden and severe high blood pressure.
Haloperidol	Decreased amphetamine effect.
MAO inhibitors*	May severely increase blood
	pressure.
Nabilone	Greater depression of the central
	nervous system.
Phenothiazines*	Decreased amphetamine effect.
Prazosin	Decreased prazosin effect.
Sodium	Increased
bicarbonate	amphetamine effect.
Sympathomimetics*	Seizures.
Thyroid hormones*	Heartbeat irregularities.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Decreased amphetamine effect.
	Avoid.
Caffeine drinks.	Overstimulation. Avoid.
Cocaine:	Dangerous stimulation of nervous
	system. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Frequent use--Severely impaired
	mental function.
Tobacco:	None expected.